How on earth do I get my phone and power connected before I arrive in NZ? Is it possible?

[beansmum]

Help please! I was planning on moving straight in to a rented flat the day after we arrive in NZ after staying with friends for one night. Can I get stuff connected from the UK? How?

The estate agent has sent me a link to a website that can do it all for you but they need a NZ phone number which I wont have until I get there.

Will I have to pack some candles?

I don't know but I'd check out the NZ Telecom (www.telecom.co.nz) and Telstra Clear websites (telstraclear.co.nz), and maybe send them an email to find out about getting a phone number. I don't live in NZ any more but I seem to remember we never had any trouble doing it in advance of moving (though obviously we were in the country at the time).

Good luck...

It looks like NZ telecom can arrange to have my phone connected the day I move in, but I wont have a number to give the power company until then. I might buy a mobile at the airport and phone the power company from there.

Do check with them personally though as I'm sure we always had the number in advance of moving (and in advance of it being connected).

Will the power board accept your friends NZ number until you get your own, then update your file when you arrive?

All the best with the move!

You're right weta, I have a number now. It wont be connected until the day we arrive and I'm not sure if an unconnected number will be enough for the power people, will try and find an email address or phone number somewhere and give them a call.

go to a website like Contact Energy.
Mostly properties never have the power disconnected between tenants - its not worth their while. The main thing they want is a meter reading for the day you move in otherwise you could get charged for some of the power used before that day. But I doubt you'll need candles!